News

Rise in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adoption applications

ONE in seven adoption applications in Worcestershire in the past year has come from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Worcestershire County Council's Adoption and Fostering Services say they have approved more adoption applications from lesbian and gay couples in 2013 than in previous years.

The figures have been released as part of the third LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week which began today.

With more and more LGBT couples and individuals considering adoption or fostering, Worcestershire's Adoption and Fostering Services are joining forces with them to host a drop-in information event in Worcester.

It takes place this Saturday (8th) at The Hive between 10am - 12pm and will provide an opportunity for the LGBT community to find out more about what is involved in the adoption and fostering process.

It’s estimated that 4,000 children need adopting across the country every year, with an additional 9,000 foster carers needing to be found.

“Our priority is to provide the best possible placement for each and every child in our care, regardless of the carers' sexuality, gender, age, relationships status or religious beliefs," said Cllr Liz Eyre, cabinet member for Children and Families.

"We are pleased that more LGBT people are making a positive choice to adopt or foster as a way of expanding their family, and we actively encourage their interest.

"From experience we know that LGBT people can bring the love, enthusiasm and resourcefulness required to make adoption or fostering work for them and the children.

“At our LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week event, our approachable staff, along with existing foster carers and adopters, will be on hand to answer questions and help potential parents take the first steps towards providing one of our children with the stable and loving home they desperately need.”

For more information visit isadoption4me.co.uk or isfostering4me.co.uk